Productive discussions between famed high wire performer Nik Wallenda and state and local officials in New York continued today during a meeting held at the Top of the Falls Restaurant located within Niagara Falls State Park. Wallenda and a team of his advisors laid out plans and answered questions from American officials about how a high wire walk above Niagara Falls could be accomplished logistically. Earlier this

An op-ed piece published in the Albany Times-Union on August 2, 2011. Submitted by Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman Carl Heastie.

We are a Democratic assemblyman from an urban district in the Bronx, and a Republican senator from a rural and suburban western New York district. What do we agree on? Not much.

But we have something important in common. We have heard repeated concerns from constituents who were blocked from filling prescriptions at neighborhood pharmacies that have served their families for generations. It turns out their insurance providers forced them to buy prescriptions from mail-order companies rather than their trusted pharmacists.

Senator Maziarz recently visited the Lockport Community Christmas Market featuring local artisans, crafters, and merchants. The theme for last weekend's event was "Christmas in July," and here Senator Maziarz is seen signing a Christmas Card. Visit http://www.LockportCommunityMarke​t.com for more details.

Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley fielded questions from fair-goers during a town hall meeting at the Orleans County Fair. Topics included support for agriculture, veterans benefits, and mandate relief for local governments.

Senator George Maziarz today joined Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in launching the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, which will redesign the relationship between the state government and businesses to stimulate regional economic development and create jobs statewide. They were joined by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, local officials, business leaders, and community members to launch the Regional Council at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. The Western New York Regional Council will be led by Satish K. Tripathi, President of University at Buffalo, and Howard A.

Senator George Maziarz joined Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Niagara County Legislators, and other officials to dedicate a new bridge linking the Town of Royalton (Niagara) with the Town of Newstead (Erie). The bridge spans Tonawanda Creek at Cedar Street/Foote Road and took two years to complete. The Niagara County Public Works Department managed the project.

Senator George Maziarz was honored to be chosen to serve as the Grand Marshall of the annual parade during Canal Fest, a weeklong celebration in North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. Festival-goers lined the streets to watch the parade go by on Tuesday evening.

Senator George Maziarz regularly visits Canal Fest in the Tonawandas. He is Grand Marshall of this year's parade. During his days as City Clerk in North Tonawanda, he was largely responsible for launching the popular summer festival.

After signing the new property tax cap legislation into law today during a visit to Western New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo gave Senator George Maziarz, a strong advocate for tax relief, one of the pens he used to write his name on the document.

Under the new law, property tax increases will be capped at 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Local communities and local voters could override the cap with a 60 percent vote on the budget for school boards or relevant legislative bodies.This cap on property taxes includes safeguards to ensure delivery of critical services for New Yorkers. There will be limited exceptions to the cap, including:

As Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I have long been optimistic about drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale through ‘hydrofracking.’ This technology will increase the supply of natural gas available to us all. We need natural gas to heat our homes, use our appliances, and make everything from steel to plastic to fertilizer to electricity.

The Mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, has endorsed the plan to invite Nik Wallenda to perform a high-wire walk across the Niagara River above Niagara Falls. Such a feat has not been accomplished legally in more than a century. In a letter he recently sent to State Senator George Maziarz, Mayor James Diodati acknowledged the great potential for the act to put Niagara Falls in the world’s spotlight.

Senator George Maziarz spoke at a ceremony today marking the 50th anniversary of the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. The facility, which opened in 1961, is the third largest hydroelectric plant in the nation.

Senator George Maziarz joined local officials today to mark the opening of a new Splash Park and Fitness Trail at Krull Park in Olcott. The amenities were constructed by Niagara County through grant monies from the New York Office of State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. This morning, the ribbon was cut and the water was turned on for the first time. A group of children were already waiting to get wet and cool off!

For the first time in the history of the State University of New York (SUNY), students and families will be able to properly plan for the cost of a college education in a predictable manner. The NYSUNY 2020 plan, enacted into law at the end of the recently-concluded Legislative Session, will allow each State University of New York and City University of New York (SUNY and CUNY) campus to raise tuition by $300 per year for five years. This plan replaces an era of dramatic tuition increases with a system that is predictable and empowers students and parents to plan for college expenses.

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, announced that the State Senate has approved historic legislation (S.5844/A.8510) known as the Power New York Act. This measure will permanently renew Article X of the Public Service Law, which governs the siting of power generation facilities in New York. With no state siting regulations in place since the e

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) and Assemblyman John Ceretto (R-I, Lewiston) are pleased to announce that the State Legislature approved a bill (S.4253-B/A.6855-B) to allow the ownership of the beachfront and terraced recreational area at Olcott Beach to be conveyed from Niagara County to the Town of Newfane. Both local governments are seeking state approval for the transfer to ensure the summer operation and maintenance of Olcott Beach for the enjoyment of local residents.